Kris JacenKirja-arvosteluja
Teoksen I Do: An Anthology in Support of Marriage Equality tekijä
Kirja-arvosteluja
The Legend of Mountain Ash by Ruth Sims - 3 stars
Inner Truth by Alex Beecroft - 2 stars
Turnabout by Lee Rowan - 2,5 stars
Under the Shadow of Your Wings by Gillian Palmer. - 2 stars
Home Cooking by Brian Holiday - 4 stars
Mister Right by Rob Rosen - Skipped
Two Men: A Fugue by Sophia Deri-Bowen - 5 stars!!
Stripes by Nigel Puerasch - 4 stars
Morbidly Obese by Rick R. Reed - 2 stars
The Song Inside by Nexis Pas - 3,5 stars
Hitched by Michael Gouda - 1,5 stars
Cakewalk by Nathan Burgoine - 4 stars
Ships That Pass by Jamie Freeman - 2 stars
Work Experience by Bruin Fisher - 3 stars
Even Guys Cry by D.C. Juris - 2 stars
Touche by James Buchanan - 2 stars
Mallory's Gift by L-J Baker - 3 stars
The Uneven Chance by Charlie Cochrane - 3 stars
Honolulu Hula by Neil S. Plakcy - Skipped
Elephants in Her Tea by Julia Rios - 1,5 stars
Aim Higher by J.L Merrow - 3 stars
Ganymede by Lenore Black - 2,5 stars
Great authors.
Great cause.
Great lgbt youth organization.
This is a win, win, win!!!
For M/M Romance Lovers, Haters and Everyone Else!!!
Take the Related Poll - Here:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/71069
If you’ve read my reviews you know that I’ve developed a format that I use to review most of the books I read. I was a little conflicted whether or not I could use that format for this book, it is after all not fiction, or is it? In the “disclaimer” section it is called a “work of fiction” but it certainly doesn’t read that way; I suspect this is just a legal catch-all. This book reads as, and I believe is intended to be, informative and educational. Nonetheless, I’ve decided to go ahead and use my pre-arranged format. I think I can make it work well here.
I need to give a caveat for reviewing this book. I’m biased. I am addicted/obsessed with male/male romance and I’m sure that I read this book with an eye towards learning something about me. To be sure, some will pick up this book with an eye toward dismissing the genre and it’s readers. Or hopefully, there will be those who want to see if there is really a “movement” to grab on to here. I think there is.
THE CHARACTERS
"...I'm now allowed to use the word cock. That's the difference between a textbook and a sex book! If I were writing a textbook right now, I would have used the word penis. But let's face it, the word cock is sexier, a lot more fun, and just feels good in your mouth."
Geoffrey Knight (The Author and Guide). This is my first read from Mr. Knight but I should point out that we’ve had a couple of exchanges online. He strikes me, both online and in print, as someone who is light-hearted, genuine, humorous and motivated.
"...they are one of the strongest, and most surprising, waves of support for equal rights on the planet--and most of the world, both gay and straight, doesn't even know it. Well all that's about to change."
The Women (The Interviewees). When I say that, here, I found my friends, I mean to say that these are women I would love to meet, know and learn from. The diversity of these women is terrific. Some are like me; married with children and well over 40. Some are very young (to me), single and may never want children. Others fall in between. I was delighted to find honest, articulate, fresh, strong and passionate women who were able to express what I personally have had a hard time putting my finger on. From business women, to stay-at-home moms, to deeply religious to equality advocates, I found a group that I can identify with because of their open minds.
THE STORY
Oh boy, I could look at this from several angles. This could be a book about women finding a passion, and trying to find the freedom and confidence to express that passion with others. Or, this could be a book about women who love men and ALL the sexiness that they are. This might be a book about advocacy and agendas. It could also be a book about a man, a gay man, who has been taken advantage of by a movement of women. Women who are using him to advance their goal of getting more fabulous m/m or gay romance books to market. I love smart women.
What I really think this book is about will be up to you. As I said, it’s diverse but in more ways than just the women who share their thoughts. There is something here for almost everyone; for straight women who have fallen into what I have called “a rabbit hole that I don’t want to climb out of”. For the un-indoctrinated who just can’t understand why a women would want to read about sex between men. Oh, let me tell you honey, these women will tell you why. There is also something here for men. For the husband trying to understand his wife (which is funny to me because so often the women reading these books are trying to understand men).
Also, for the gay man who needs to know that there is an army of women out there that care about them and are interested in understanding their lives better. All of these people will find a terrific resource to more information on the subject of the m/m genre, including a glossary and contact information for many of the contributor’s websites and blogs.
THE WRITING
I read this straight through, it's quick paced, humorous and at times emotional. Like I said earlier though, I’m obsessed with the subject and I’ve been waiting for answers to help me understand my addiction.
The book begins by introducing you to the women who contribute to the Why Straight Women Read Gay Romance. By way of interview questions you learn a good bit about each one and easily find those you will identify with most. I found myself paying a little more attention to those women who seemed most like me, at first. I quickly realized I was interested in everyone’s opinion.
The book continues the interview process but with specific questions related to the topic. We learn how these women came to read or write, edit or artistically enhance the m/m genre. The discussion delves into what they’ve learned about themselves, men, gay men and sex. Plus, the subject was broached: Is admitting to reading m/m romance or erotica similar to coming out of the closet? I really connected with this one.
There could be a tendency to want to read this as a manual. Flipping back and forth between those women you, a) know from reading their books or blogs, or b)jumping ahead to read a specific comment by someone you earlier identified with. I would suggest you refrain from this, at least, for the first read. First, my kindle made that a little difficult to do. It’s easy to go back but harder to jump forward and keep your place. Second, I don’t think you want to miss anything said here. I found most all the viewpoints and comments valid.
~ ~ ~ ~
Highly Recommended - Nearly a Must Read (especially for those involved, interested or invested in the gay romance genre).
For me, this book answered many, many questions. It also allowed me to be more comfortable with my love of m/m books. I knew I wasn’t alone in my obsession but now I feel more connected than ever. Thank you Geoffrey, you made this a fun and enlightening journey.
~ ~ ~ ~
My thanks to ManLoveRomance Press mlrpress.com for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
A sweet collection of stories. There were a couple in the middle that didn't do much for me, but overall some good reads that supported a great cause.
I stopped reading at ca. 40%. I was interested in understanding the fascination of m/m romance for straight women (for obvious reasons). This is more like some 30 interviews about this topic put together without real discussion or analysis (at least not until 40%), and to be honest it was plain boring to me as it also had a very long introduction of the interviewees of whom every second made the obvious joke about "married with kids" (reference to the Al Bundy tv show...).
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. For once I did the sensible thing and tried to read only one or two stories at a time, to spread out the joy and to give each story a chance to be appreciated on its own terms. I really liked the variety of styles and settings within the anthology, from a fairytale to contemporary urban settings. Erastes's "The Snow Queen" was my favourite, but on the whole, I liked all of them (I certainly didn't dislike any).
The stories inside it are very different, most of the authors I know, and some confirmed my good opinion on them and some surprised me, but always in a good way.
The Lindorm’s Twin by Tracey Pennington (m/m): This is a fantasy tale that reminds me a very happy memory, a book of fairy tales that weren't so fair, if you think well at them. The tales passed mouth to mouth, from town to town, are dark and bloody, and not always with a 'disney' happily ever after. Stefan is a fair prince of a fairy tale kingdom, but his parents didn't tell him that he was not the first born; he is the second on a pair of twin, but the other son was not a 'normal' baby, it was a lindorm, and when Stefan is in age to marry, the lindorm pretends to have the right to marry first, since he is the first born. And so from beloved prince, Stefan finds himself without family and kingdom, and shelter in the arms of Andor, another dispossed prince, another man who suffered due to a wicked spell.
Desire and Disguise by Alex Beecroft (m/m): A little historical tale, but not a romance. Robert is deeply in love with his wife Lydia, even if really I don't know if he is more in love with her or with her body. Anyway, when Lydia found out she is pregnant and for all the pregnancy and also after, she refuses the access to her body to Robert, and he, worn out by desire, at the end searches solace with a demi-monde, or at least what he believes to be a woman of easy virtue... only to find out that he is no woman, but Mitchell, a man he also knows (when not dressed like a woman). Robert will learn that not all he believes is correct, and that the world is not black and white, and that maybe, he would be safer at home with his wife.
The Roaming Heart by Charlie Cochrane (m/m): Alasdair and Toby are the gold boys of the English movie industry at the beginning of the twenty century. All the fans wondering who will be their next conquest, the magazine would love to find something naughty about them, but no, they seems to be the perfect men, even if maybe with a soft point for women. What all the world doesn't know, is that Alasdair and Toby found their love, but not outside their bond, and what links them is not only a deep friendship. I like a lot this story since it has a very nice taste, a joy of life and the desire for something new and daring that often I found in tales setting in this period.
Outed by Clare London (m/m): Rob and Guy lives together, without flaunting it, but also without hiding. People around don't ask and they don't tell, since the innocent remark of an eighty dear woman (not so innocent maybe) sanctions what all know. And now the two can finally flaunt, if they want.
Lust in Translation by Storm Grant (m/m): Tyler is a cop who is having a crap night. Justin is a man who doesn't know what he is having, since he is lost in drugs he didn't know he was taking. When Tyler stops Justin on the street, he thinks the man to be a rent boy, but since it's raining, and the department has other things to do, and Tyler is not on duty, why not taking the man at home with him? and when they are warm and comfortable, why not having a bit of fun? Problem is that Tyler is allergic to any drugs, and thanks to a broken condom... well let us say that he 'shares' Justin's essence. From a one night stand to something more is only a brief path, in a very nice and mostly funny story.
Making Memory by Lisabet Sarai (f/f): Nicole needs good memories and Maggie has plenty to share. Two women, momentarily alone, share a sweet night of talking and something more, but for now it's not the starting point for a new life together, maybe only a nice direction toward a better life with a different perspective.
Swansong by Sharon Maria Bidwell (m/m): Richard lives in a big house full of memories of his late wife and Neil thinks that it's time for him to move on... above all since Neil is now part of Richard's life. Neil is not demanding, he is only a comforting presence that helps Richard to take the necessary steps, not only regarding his home but also his life, even his sex life. Neil is always there, always with a gentle smile, and Richard knows that he is right, it's time for them to give new life and happy memories to that big house.
Finally Forever by Jeanne Barrack (m/m): a very funny and tender telephone call between Manny and Rafe, long distance lovers that finally will move together: from utility to the big question, LOVE, Manny and Rafe check the list for the recipe of how to build a perfect life together.
Code of Honour by Marquesate (m/m): Joe and Roux, legionnaires and lovers, show that once a soldier, you are always a soldier, even in your private life. And so Joe, that is Roux's subordinate, at first follows Roux's rule, like a good soldier, but it's not love since the day that Joe will learn that, in love there are no rule. Joe is young and not so steady on his feet; he has a lot to learn, not only as a soldier. Roux is more experienced and willing to share his knowledge with Joe. Maybe at first it's only lust, but with time, both men will discover that also for them there is a change to be happy and in love.
Tango and Temptation by ZA Maxfield (m/m): Gabriel teaches tango to the future brides and grooms, eight lessons and they will be perfect on their wedding day. It's not expected, and also quite a disaster, that Gabriel falls in love with Xander, one of the groom, above all since Gabriel really believes in love and family and all, and Xander has no intention to break up with his future spouse... but the ballroom is a sly devil, and a move here, a slow dance there, and a near proximity that allows Gabriel to 'feel' something he is not suppose to feel, and Xander plans maybe have to be revised...
The Mistake by P.A. Brown (m/m): Very nice little story about a young guy, Rusty, who finds himself in a very bad situation and of the big but good cop who helps him. Rusty is not an hustler, but to be hungry is not good, and when he is offered a lot of money for a night, well, let say the pags decide for him. Obviously is not a situation fated to end in a good way if not for the cavalry that arrives in his rescue, a big knight in shining armor named Hank. From letting someone having his way with him for money, to almost offer himself to Hank is a short distance, and this time the right decision also.
Holy Macaroni (and Cheese) by Allison Wonderland (f/f): for Teri and Ariel marriage was not an hard decision, at six years old they were very firm in their decision. Confirm it in the later years maybe was harder, but they manage. And nor Teri or Ariel ever regretted that long time ago children ceremony, that would be glad to have also now.
The Snow Queen by Erastes (m/m): Josh lost his lover Sam and he is not sure to be ready to love again. He is cold and the cold outside well reflects his mood. But then he meets Sean and his cute daughter Bess, and maybe a sparks of light enter the icy prison around his heart. Open up, let the ice melt... maybe is not a bad idea. Erastes almost surprised me with this story: cure little kids and happy penguins in the snow? I was almost expecting for an Harlequin type of ending, with a commitment ceremony and the little daughter with the pillow and the rings on it...
Better Than Beautiful by Zoe Nichols & Cassidy Ryan (f/f): Charlotte is the famous top model and Becca is little secret. Becca is always there, always supporting, always waiting for Charlotte to be ready to be off the scene, no more available to all the world, but finally only her. But Charlotte fears the day in which the world will no more see here, since she is a model, and being beautiful is the only thing she always did good. It's up to Becca convinces her that she is better than beautiful.
Semi-detached by Emma Collingwood (m/m): James and Thomas have a real strange relationship; James is an apparently happy and openly gay man, with a beautiful apartment and friends and comfort life. Thomas is an average man who said he is not gay and neither bisexual, he only loves James, and well, even if James is a man, that doesn't mean he is gay. How they met I don't know (even I'm very curious), but they seem to have a pretty ordinary life, they seem happy, but maybe James is afraid of the day when he will ask something more to Thomas, something that maybe the man is not ready to give him... and maybe Thomas will surprise him.
Rules of the Game by Mallory Path (m/m): Charlie plays along the rules, and since Noah prefers to be a top, Charlie never asked him to be a bottom. But Charlie is wondering, if maybe, sometime the rules can be changed...
Templeton’s In Love by Jerry L. Wheeler (m/m): A very nice tale, both sad and tender. Tom and Stan were happy together, but they were also young and careless. When life asked its toll, it was heavy and neither of them was strong enough to save what they have. Regrets and remorses didn't help, and years later Tom is still wondering how it could be if... One thing they had in common, Carmine's supper Club and Ristorante and Templeton who sang there for his lover Taylor. But Taylor died and Templeton's songs with him. So when Tom sees that Templeton is singing again, he thinks that maybe Templeton is in love again, and if he can still love, maybe also Tom...
True Love by Moondancer Drake (f/f): Shona and Kai are finally having their baby, and this gives all another perspective in what they believe. In different way, both of them want to shout to the world that they are in love, Kai wants to marry Shona with a big ceremony, and Shona wants to have her name on their son's birth certificate. For now it's only a dream, but if something changes...
Salad Days by Fiona Glass (m/m): A little family scene, Tim and Jake, living together. Jake is a tornado, always chatting, always moving. Tim is quite and shy, barely speaking... but Tim is always thinking, always wanting to say something, that instead he takes aback, fearing to upset Jake. But a stupid accident breaks lose Tim's restrains and for once he will let Jake without words.
Wedding Announcement by Lee Rowan (m/m): barely a scene, actually a telephone call, with two characters I know well, Kevin and John from Walking Wounded. In my previous review of that book, I stated that, according to me, Kevin had some unresolved trouble with his father and this influenced his present life. Here probably there is a confirmation of my idea, with Kevin that has to find the courage to call his father to tell his that he is having a commitment ceremony with the man he loves.
All profits from the sale of this anthology will be donated to the Lambda Legal Defense to fight Prop 8 in support of marriage equality for all.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1934531707/?tag=elimyrevandra-20
Tämä sivusto käyttää evästeitä palvelujen toimittamiseen, toiminnan parantamiseen, analytiikkaan ja (jos et ole kirjautunut sisään) mainostamiseen. Käyttämällä LibraryThingiä ilmaiset, että olet lukenut ja ymmärtänyt käyttöehdot ja yksityisyydensuojakäytännöt. Sivujen ja palveluiden käytön tulee olla näiden ehtojen ja käytäntöjen mukaista.
Desire and Disguise by Alex Beecroft - 3 stars
The Roaming Heart by Charlie Cochrane - 2 stars
Outed by Clare London - 4 stars.
«Couldn’t social acceptability be achieved with discreet familiarity, rather than wearing a lurid slogan on a tight T-shirt?»
Lust in Translation by Storm Grant - 3 stars
Making Memory by Lisabet Sarai - 2 stars
Swansong by Sharon Maria Bidwell - 3 stars
Finally Forever by Jeanne Barrack - 2 stars
Code of Honour by Marquesate - 4.5 stars
Tango and Temptation by Z.A. Maxfield - 1 star
The Mistake by P.A. Brown - 2, 5 stars
Holy Macaroni by Allison Wonderland - 3,5 stars
The Snow Queen by Erastes - 1 star
Better Than Beautiful by Zoe Nichols & Cassidy Ryan - 2 stars
Semi-detached by Emma Collingwood - 3 stars
Rules of the Game by Mallory Path - 3,5 stars
Templeton's in Love by Jerry L. Wheeler - 3 stars
True Love by Moondancer Drake - 3 stars
Salad Days by Fiona Glass - 1,5 stars
Wedding Announcement by Lee Rowan - 2 stars